FINAL Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: November 5, 2004
Today’s Update Includes
- Highlights From the Migration Trail
- How Monarchs Survive the Winter: Habitat and Adaptation
- Map of the Oyamel Forest
- Maps of the Monarch Overwintering Region
- Pictures of Monarchs and Monarch Winter Habitat
- Monitoring the Climate of the Monarch Winter Sanctuaries
- See You Next February When Journey North Begins!
 |
| Click Map to Read Highlights Along the Migration Trail |
Highlights
From the Migration Trail
As we close the curtain on this fall’s migration, monarchs are still
migrating to Mexico. They are streaming southward from points far and
wide. For example, during the last week, migrating monarchs were reported
from 35 different locales, in these 8 states and provinces: Ontario, Kansas,
North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi--and
many, many places in Texas. Find these locations on a map, and picture
the migration flowing toward Mexico, like the tail-end of a 2 month-long
parade.
How Monarchs Survive the Winter: Exploring Habitat and Adaptation
When Journey North begins again next February, we’ll take a close look at the monarch’s over-wintering habitat, and how the butterflies are adapted to survive there.
- Why do the monarchs migrate to this region in Mexico?
- What is so special about it?
Here are maps and pictures to explore. Consider the key components of habitat: Food, water, shelter and space. Make a class list with a column for each habitat component. Record all of the questions your class has about the monarch’s winter habitat. Theorize about how the monarchs are adapted to survive there.
 |
 |
 |
| The monarch's winter refuge is located deep in central Mexico in a mountain range called the "Transvolcanic Belt." (Click on map to enlarge.) | The monarch sanctuaries are found only at high elevations, where the oyamel fir forest grows. Note how little oyamel forest habitat exists in Mexico. (Shown in black on map.) |
Volcanic mountains in the monarch sanctuary region rise to high elevations. The mountain town of Angangueo is pictured here. |
 |
 |
|
| Monarchs cluster by the millions on the trucks and branches of oyamel trees. They rarely, if ever, eat during their five-month stay in Mexico. |
Monitoring the Climate of the Overwintering Region
Frost, dew, sunlight, shade, temperature, moisture, elevation and exposure are key variables in the climate of the monarch’s unique winter habitat. To prepare for this winter’s study, predict the weather conditions you’d expect at the overwintering sanctuaries. Then collect actual weather data from the region. Record your predictions and the actual data each month on this chart:
See You Next February When Journey North Begins!
Thank you for helping to track the monarch migration this fall. We hope you'll be back next spring to track the northward migration, as you welcome the butterflies' return to your home town.
- Watch for the first weekly update from the monarch sanctuaries on Friday, February 4, 2005.
This is the FINAL Fall Monarch Migration Update. See You in February!
Copyright
2004 Journey North. All Rights Reserved.
Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to jn-help@learner.org
